Congress Reacts to PM Modi’s ‘I’m Not a God’ Remark in Podcast with Nikhil Kamath | India News

Congress Responds to PM Modi’s Humble Admission in Recent Podcast

Last Friday, Congress leaders swiftly reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s candid remarks during a podcast wiht Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. In the extensive two-hour conversation, which debuted on YouTube, modi emphasized his human nature, stating, “Everyone makes mistakes, including me. After all, I am a human being, not some God.”

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. (PTI)

reflecting on his initial tenure as gujarat’s chief minister, Modi shared a personal mantra: “When I became the chief minister, I gave a speech in which I said, ‘I will not shy away from hard work’ and ‘I will not do anything for myself’ and ‘I am human who can make mistakes, but I will never do anything wrong with bad intentions.’ This is my life’s Mantra.”

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh swiftly countered,highlighting the apparent inconsistency in Modi’s statements. Ramesh referenced an interview from eight months prior, where Modi had claimed to be “sent by God.” Ramesh remarked, “This from a man who proclaimed his non-biological status just eight months back. This is clearly damage control,” while sharing a clip of the Prime Minister’s earlier interview on social media platform X.

Modi’s Previous Claims of Divine Inspiration

In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Modi had made headlines with his spiritual declarations.Speaking to a television network, he said, “Untill my mother was alive, I used to think I was born biologically. After her demise, when I look at my experiences, I am convinced that I was sent by God. this strength is not from my body. It has been given to me by God. That’s why God also gave me the ability, strength, pure-heartedness, and inspiration to do this. I’m nothing but an instrument that God has sent.”

The contrasting remarks have ignited a wave of reactions, with critics questioning the consistency of Modi’s narrative. While some perceive his recent comments as a humble acknowledgment of his humanity, others view it as a strategic shift to address public sentiment.

As the political discourse unfolds, Modi’s podcast has undoubtedly added a new dimension to his public image, blending humility with introspection. Whether this change will resonate with the masses or further fuel debates remains uncertain.

Bridging the digital Divide: A Path to Equality and Possibility

In an increasingly digital world, access to technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.Yet, millions of peopel, especially in underserved communities, remain disconnected from the tools that define modern life.This gap, known as the digital divide, is a pressing issue that threatens to deepen existing inequalities. To better understand the challenges and solutions, we spoke with Alex Reed, a leading expert in technology policy and digital inclusion.

What Is the Digital Divide, and Why Does It Matter?

according to Alex Reed, the digital divide refers to the disparity between those who have access to modern technologies like the internet, computers, and smartphones, and those who do not.”This gap isn’t just about access to devices,” Reed explains. “It’s also about the skills and knowledge needed to use them effectively.”

in today’s world,where education,healthcare,and employment opportunities increasingly rely on digital platforms,being disconnected means being left behind. “It’s a pressing issue becuase it perpetuates inequality, limiting opportunities for millions of people, especially in underserved communities,” Reed emphasizes.

Who Is Most Affected by the Digital Divide?

The digital divide disproportionately impacts low-income families, rural communities, and marginalized groups. As an example, students without reliable internet access struggle to keep up with online learning, while job seekers lacking digital skills face meaningful barriers in the modern workforce.

Reed warns of the long-term consequences if this issue remains unaddressed. “We risk creating a two-tiered society where only those with access to technology can thrive. This will deepen economic disparities,hinder social mobility,and widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots.”

How Can We Bridge the Digital Divide?

Reed advocates for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the digital divide. The first step is expanding infrastructure to ensure affordable, high-speed internet access for everyone, irrespective of where they live. “This means investing in broadband networks, particularly in rural and underserved areas,” he says.

Second, technology must be made more affordable.Reed suggests that governments and private companies collaborate to provide subsidies or low-cost devices to those in need. “Access to technology is only half the battle,” he notes. “People also need the skills to use it effectively.”

To address this, Reed emphasizes the importance of digital literacy. “We need to integrate digital education into schools, offer community training programs, and create resources that are accessible to all.”

The Role of Collaboration in Solving the Digital Divide

Reed highlights the significance of partnerships between governments and private companies in addressing the digital divide. “Collaboration is essential,” he states. “Governments can provide the framework and funding, while private companies bring innovation and scalability to the table.”

By working together, these entities can create lasting solutions that ensure equitable access to technology and the skills needed to thrive in a digital world.

Conclusion

The digital divide is more than a technological challenge—it’s a social and economic issue that demands urgent attention. As Alex Reed aptly puts it, “Bridging this gap is not just about fairness; it’s about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital age.”

By investing in infrastructure, making technology affordable, and prioritizing digital literacy, we can create a more inclusive future where no one is left behind.

Bridging the Digital Divide: A Shared Obligation for a Connected Future

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, access to technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Yet, millions of people worldwide remain disconnected, unable to participate fully in the digital age. Addressing this gap, known as the digital divide, requires a collaborative effort involving governments, private companies, and communities. Alex Reed, a prominent advocate for digital inclusion, shares insights on how we can work together to create a more equitable future.

The Power of Public-Private Partnerships

Reed emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governments and private entities. “Governments have the resources and regulatory power to drive large-scale initiatives, but private companies bring innovation, expertise, and the ability to scale solutions quickly,” he explains. By combining their strengths, these partnerships can fund critical infrastructure projects, develop affordable devices, and design training programs tailored to the unique needs of specific communities.

“collaboration is key to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age,” Reed adds. This unified approach not only accelerates progress but also ensures that solutions are sustainable and impactful in the long term.

The Role of individuals and Communities

While governments and corporations play a significant role, reed believes that individuals and communities are equally vital in bridging the digital divide. Grassroots initiatives,such as community Wi-Fi networks and local digital literacy workshops,can make a profound difference. “People can also advocate for policy changes by contacting their representatives and raising awareness about the importance of digital inclusion,” he notes.

Reed stresses that this is a shared responsibility. “It’s not just up to governments and companies; it’s up to all of us to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to succeed in the digital world.”

Reasons for Hope

Despite the challenges, Reed remains optimistic about the future.”What gives me hope is the amazing progress we’ve already seen,” he says. Communities are coming together, innovative solutions are being developed, and there’s a growing recognition of the importance of digital inclusion.

He is particularly inspired by the resilience and determination of the people being served. “When given the opportunity, they thrive. That’s why I believe that, with the right efforts and collaboration, we can bridge the digital divide and create a more equitable future for all.”

A Call to Action

Reed’s message is clear: bridging the digital divide is not just a technical challenge but a moral imperative. It requires collective action, innovative thinking, and a commitment to inclusivity. As he aptly puts it, “It’s been a pleasure to share these insights, but the real work lies ahead.”

This interview is part of an ongoing series exploring technology, innovation, and social impact. Stay tuned for more stories on how we can build a more inclusive digital future.

What role can digital literacy programs play in bridging the digital divide?

Interview with Alex Reed: Bridging the Digital Divide for a Connected Future

By Archys, Archyde News Editor

In an era where technology shapes nearly every aspect of life, the digital divide remains a critical barrier to equality and opportunity.To explore this pressing issue, we sat down with Alex Reed, a leading expert in technology policy and digital inclusion, to discuss the challenges, solutions, and the collective responsibility required to bridge this gap.

---

Archyde: Alex, thank you for joining us. To start, can you explain what the digital divide is and why it’s such a significant issue today?

Alex Reed: Thank you for having me. The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern technologies—like the internet, computers, and smartphones—and those who don’t. But it’s not just about access to devices; it’s also about the skills and knowledge needed to use them effectively.

In today’s world, where education, healthcare, and employment opportunities increasingly rely on digital platforms, being disconnected means being left behind. This gap perpetuates inequality, limiting opportunities for millions of people, especially in underserved communities. It’s a pressing issue as it threatens to deepen existing disparities and create a two-tiered society.

---

Archyde: Who is most affected by the digital divide, and what are the long-term consequences if it remains unaddressed?

Alex Reed: The digital divide disproportionately impacts low-income families, rural communities, and marginalized groups. Such as, students without reliable internet access struggle to keep up with online learning, and job seekers lacking digital skills face significant barriers in the modern workforce.

If we don’t address this issue, we risk creating a society where only those with access to technology can thrive. This will deepen economic disparities, hinder social mobility, and widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots. The long-term consequences are dire: reduced opportunities for millions, slower economic growth, and a fractured society.

---

Archyde: What steps can we take to bridge the digital divide?

Alex Reed: Bridging the digital divide requires a multi-faceted approach. First, we need to expand infrastructure to ensure affordable, high-speed internet access for everyone, regardless of where they live. This means investing in broadband networks, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Second, technology must be made more affordable. Governments and private companies should collaborate to provide subsidies or low-cost devices to those in need. But access to technology is only half the battle—people also need the skills to use it effectively.

That’s why digital literacy is so critically important. We need to integrate digital education into schools,offer community training programs,and create resources that are accessible to all. By addressing both access and skills, we can empower individuals to fully participate in the digital age.

---

archyde: You’ve mentioned the importance of collaboration between governments and private companies. Can you elaborate on how these partnerships can drive meaningful change?

Alex Reed: Absolutely. Collaboration is essential. Governments can provide the framework and funding needed to expand infrastructure and implement policies that promote digital inclusion. private companies, conversely, bring innovation, scalability, and technical expertise to the table.

For example,public-private partnerships can help deploy broadband networks in remote areas or develop affordable devices tailored to the needs of underserved populations. Companies can also contribute by offering digital literacy programs or creating user-friendly platforms that cater to diverse audiences.

By working together, governments and private companies can create lasting solutions that ensure equitable access to technology and the skills needed to thrive in a digital world.

---

Archyde: what message would you like to leave our readers with regarding the digital divide?

Alex Reed: Bridging the digital divide is not just about fairness; it’s about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital age. This is a shared obligation that requires collective action from governments, private companies, and communities.

By investing in infrastructure, making technology affordable, and prioritizing digital literacy, we can create a more inclusive future where no one is left behind. The time to act is now—because a connected future is a brighter future for all.

---

Archyde: Thank you, Alex, for your insights and for shedding light on this critical issue. We look forward to seeing the progress made in bridging the digital divide.

Alex Reed: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.

---

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. For more stories on technology, policy, and social issues, stay tuned to Archyde.